Levetiracetam 15 mg/mL Injection
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Other antiepileptics class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Levetiracetam injection is used alone and along with other medications to control partial-onset seizures (seizures that involve only one part of the brain) in adults, children, and infants 1 month of age who cannot take oral medications. Levetiracetam injection is also used in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children 12 years of age or older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy who cannot take oral medications. Levetiracetam injection is also used in combination with other medications to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as a grand m...
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- Levetiracetam is an anti-seizure medicine. Depending on the product and your age, it can be used to treat partial-onset seizures (seizures starting in one part of the brain), myocl...
- What is levetiracetam actually used for?
- It can, especially when you first start taking it. Drowsiness, fatigue, and dizziness are among the most common side effects and tend to be most noticeable in the first few weeks....
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Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Some supplements/herbs that may interact with Levetiracetam — tap one for details:
Levetiracetam may be associated with lower levels of 1 nutrient — worth a chat with your pharmacist, not a cause for alarm.
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
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0.075 mg / 1 mL
UNII Q40Q9N063P
Acetic acid is a weak organic acid commonly used in medicines as a buffer and pH adjuster. It helps maintain the proper acidity level to ensure the drug remains stable and effective in its formulation.
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1.64 mg / 1 mL
UNII 4550K0SC9B
Sodium acetate is a salt derived from acetic acid. It acts as a buffer to help maintain the medicine's pH stability and may serve as a preservative or solubilizer in liquid formulations.
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5.4 mg / 1 mL
UNII 451W47IQ8X
Sodium chloride is common table salt. It's used in medicines as a buffer to maintain proper pH, as a filler to add bulk, or to adjust the osmotic balance in liquid formulations.
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UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
4 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per each | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
| Medicare Part B allowsASP · J1953 | $0.032 / J1953 unit | — |
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🧾 Billing & reimbursement
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride 15 mg/mL 00143-9283-10 | Hikma | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 15 mg/mLthis 00264-1509-90 | B. | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride 15 mg/mL 14789-0330-15 | Nexus | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 25021-0795-82 | Sagent | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 36000-0354-40 | Baxter | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 43598-0637-10 | Dr.Reddy's | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 43598-0759-10 | Dr.Reddy's | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 44567-0503-10 | WG | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 1500 mg/100mL 55150-0248-47 | Eugia | 10 pouches | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 1500 mg/100mL 65145-0175-10 | Caplin | 10 pouches | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 65219-0046-71 | Fresenius | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 66298-0467-01 | Hp | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 67457-0266-10 | Mylan | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 15 mg/mL 68083-0154-10 | Gland | 100 ml | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
| Levetiracetam 1500 mg/100mL 70069-0847-10 | Somerset | 10 pouches | — | AP | FDA listed | — |
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⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
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🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00264-1509-90 You're viewing this | 24 CONTAINER in 1 CASE (0264-1509-90) / 100 mL in 1 CONTAINER | 2024-05-13 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
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| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | ✓ Available |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | ✓ Available |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | ✓ Available |
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated for adjunct therapy in adults (greater than or equal to 16 years of age) with the following seizure types when oral administration is temporarily not feasible: Partial-onset seizures ( 1.1 ) Myoclonic seizures in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy ( 1.2 ) Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures ( 1.3 )
1.1Partial-Onset Seizures Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy.
1.2Myoclonic Seizures in Patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
1.3Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
1.4Limitations of Use Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is an antiepileptic drug indicated for adult patients (16 years and older) when oral administration is temporarily not feasible.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For intravenous infusion only ( 2.1 ) Do not dilute prior to its use ( 2.1 ) Administer dose-specific container intravenously over 15-minutes ( 2.1 ) Initial Exposure to Levetiracetam Partial-Onset Seizures: Initial dose is 500 mg twice daily. Increase by 500 mg twice daily every 2 weeks to a maximum recommended dose of 1,500 mg twice daily (2.2). Myoclonic Seizures in Patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy: Initial dose is 500 mg twice daily.
Increase by 500 mg twice daily every 2 weeks to the recommended dose of 1,500 mg twice daily (2.2). Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Initial dose is 500 mg twice daily. Increase by 500 mg twice daily every 2 weeks to the recommended dose of 1,500 mg twice daily (2.2).
Switching from or to oral Levetiracetam: The total daily dosage/frequency of levetiracetam injection should be equivalent to those of oral levetiracetam (2.3, 2.4). Renal Impairment: Dose adjustment necessary based on creatinine clearance ( 2.5 ).
2.1General Information – Administration Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is for intravenous infusion only. It is available in the following concentrations: three single-dose 100 mL fill containers, each containing a different total dosage of levetiracetam (500 mg [5 mg/mL], 1,000 mg [10 mg/mL], or 1,500 mg [15 mg/mL]). A single-dose container should be administered intravenously over a 15-minute IV infusion period.
Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration whenever solution and container permit. Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection should not be further diluted prior to use. Any unused portion of the Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection contents should be discarded.
2.2Initial Exposure to Levetiracetam Levetiracetam can be initiated with either intravenous or oral administration. Partial-Onset Seizures In clinical trials of oral levetiracetam, daily doses of 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg, and 3,000 mg, given as twice-daily dosing, were shown to be effective. Although in some studies there was a tendency toward greater response with higher dose [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ], a consistent increase in response with increased dose has not been shown.
Treatment should be initiated with a daily dose of 1,000 mg/day, given as twice-daily dosing (500 mg twice daily). Additional dosing increments may be given (1,000 mg/day additional every 2 weeks) to a maximum recommended daily dose of 3,000 mg. Doses greater than 3,000 mg/day have been used in open-label studies with levetiracetam tablets for periods of 6 months and longer.
There is no evidence that doses greater than 3,000 mg/day confer additional benefit. Myoclonic Seizures in Patients with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy Treatment should be initiated with a dose of 1,000 mg/day, given as twice-daily dosing (500 mg twice daily). Dosage should be increased by 1,000 mg/day every 2 weeks to the recommended daily dose of 3,000 mg.
The effectiveness of doses lower than 3,000 mg/day has not been studied. Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Treatment should be initiated with a dose of 1,000 mg/day, given as twice-daily dosing (500 mg twice daily). Dosage should be increased by 1,000 mg/day every 2 weeks to the recommended daily dose of 3,000 mg.
The effectiveness of doses lower than 3,000 mg/day has not been adequately studied.
2.3Switching to Intravenous Dosing When switching from oral levetiracetam, the initial total daily intravenous dosage of levetiracetam should be equivalent to the total daily dosage and frequency of oral levetiracetam.
2.4Switching to Oral Dosing At the end of the intravenous treatment period, the patient may be switched to levetiracetam oral administration at the equivalent daily dosage and frequency of the intravenous administration.
2.5Adult Patients with Impaired Renal Function Levetiracetam dosing must be individualized according to the patient's renal function status. Recommende…
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is a clear, colorless solution packaged in a single-dose container and available in three strengths: 500 mg/100 mL (5 mg/mL): 500 mg levetiracetam in 0.82% sodium chloride injection 1,000 mg/100 mL (10 mg/mL): 1,000 mg levetiracetam in 0.75% sodium chloride injection 1,500 mg/100 mL (15 mg/mL): 1,500 mg levetiracetam in 0.54% sodium chloride injection Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection in single-dose containers: Levetiracetam in 0.82% sodium chloride injection (500 mg/100 mL) (5 mg/mL) ( 3 ) Levetiracetam in 0.75% sodium chloride injection (1,000 mg/100 mL) (10 mg/mL) ( 3 ) Levetiracetam in 0.54% sodium chloride injection (1,500 mg/100 mL) (15 mg/mL) ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is contraindicated in patients with a hypersensitivity to levetiracetam. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Known hypersensitivity to levetiracetam; angioedema and anaphylaxis have occurred. ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Psychiatric Reactions: Behavioral abnormalities including psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, irritability, and aggressive behavior have been observed. Monitor patients for psychiatric signs and symptoms. ( 5.1 ) Somnolence and Fatigue: Monitor patients for these symptoms and advise patients not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on levetiracetam.
( 5.2 ) Serious Dermatological Reactions: Discontinue Levetiracetam at the first sign of rash unless clearly not drug related. ( 5.4 ) Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity: Discontinue if no alternative etiology. ( 5.5 ) Coordination Difficulties: Monitor for ataxia, abnormal gait, and incoordination.
( 5.6 ) Withdrawal Seizures: Levetiracetam must be gradually withdrawn. ( 5.7 )
5.1Psychiatric Reactions In some patients levetiracetam causes behavioral abnormalities. The incidences of behavioral abnormalities in the myoclonic and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizure studies were comparable to those of the adult partial-onset seizure studies. A total of 13.3% of adult levetiracetam-treated patients compared to 6.2% of placebo patients experienced non-psychotic behavioral symptoms (reported as aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, depersonalization, depression, emotional lability, hostility, irritability, and nervousness).
A total of 1.7% of adult levetiracetam-treated patients discontinued treatment due to behavioral adverse events, compared to 0.2% of placebo patients. The treatment dose was reduced in 0.8% of adult levetiracetam-treated patients and in 0.5% of placebo patients. One percent of adult levetiracetam-treated patients experienced psychotic symptoms compared to 0.2% of placebo patients.
Two (0.3%) adult levetiracetam-treated patients were hospitalized and their treatment was discontinued due to psychosis. Both events, reported as psychosis, developed within the first week of treatment and resolved within 1 to 2 weeks following treatment discontinuation. The above psychiatric signs and symptoms should be monitored.
5.2Somnolence and Fatigue In some patients, levetiracetam causes somnolence and fatigue. The incidences of somnolence and fatigue provided below are from controlled adult partial-onset seizure studies. In general, the incidences of somnolence and fatigue in the myoclonic and primary generalized tonic-clonic studies were comparable to those of the adult partial-onset seizure studies.
In controlled trials of adult patients with epilepsy experiencing partial-onset seizures, 14.8% of levetiracetam-treated patients reported somnolence, compared to 8.4% of placebo patients. There was no clear dose response up to 3,000 mg/day. In a study where there was no titration, about 45% of patients receiving 4,000 mg/day reported somnolence.
The somnolence was considered serious in 0.3% of the treated patients, compared to 0% in the placebo group. About 3% of levetiracetam-treated patients discontinued treatment due to somnolence, compared to 0.7% of placebo patients. In 1.4% of treated patients and in 0.9% of placebo patients the dose was reduced, while 0.3% of the treated patients were hospitalized due to somnolence.
In controlled trials of adult patients with epilepsy experiencing partial-onset seizures, 14.7% of levetiracetam-treated patients reported asthenia, compared to 9.1% of placebo patients. Treatment was discontinued due to asthenia in 0.8% of treated patients as compared to 0.5% of placebo patients. In 0.5% of treated patients and in 0.2% of placebo patients the dose was reduced due to asthenia.
Somnolence and asthenia occurred most frequently within the first 4 weeks of treatment. Patients should be monitored for these signs and symptoms and advised not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on levetiracetam to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery.
5.3 A…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed in more details in other sections of labeling: Psychiatric Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Somnolence and Fatigue [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Anaphylaxis and Angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Serious Dermatological Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Coordination Difficulties [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Withdrawal Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Hematologic Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Seizure Control During Pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence in levetiracetam-treated patients is greater than or equal to 5% more than in placebo-treated patients) include: somnolence, asthenia, infection, and dizziness.
( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact B. Braun Medical Inc . at 1-800-854-6851 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The adverse reactions that result from levetiracetam injection use include all of those reported for levetiracetam tablets and oral solution. Equivalent doses of intravenous (IV) levetiracetam and oral levetiracetam result in equivalent C max , C min , and total systemic exposure to levetiracetam when the IV levetiracetam is administered as a 15-minute infusion.
Partial-Onset Seizures In controlled clinical studies using levetiracetam tablets in adults with partial-onset seizures [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] , the most common adverse reactions in adult patients receiving levetiracetam in combination with other AEDs, for events with rates greater than placebo, were somnolence, asthenia, infection and dizziness. Of the most common adverse reactions in adults experiencing partial-onset seizures, asthenia, somnolence and dizziness occurred predominantly during the first 4 weeks of treatment with levetiracetam.
Table 2 lists adverse reactions that occurred in at least 1% of adult epilepsy patients receiving levetiracetam tablets in placebo-controlled studies and were numerically more common than in patients treated with placebo. In these studies, either levetiracetam or placebo was added to concurrent AED therapy. Adverse reactions were usually mild to moderate in intensity.
Table 2: Adverse Reactions* In Placebo-Controlled, Adjunctive Studies In Adults Experiencing Partial-Onset Seizures Adverse Reaction Levetiracetam (N=769) % Placebo (N=439) % Asthenia 15 9 Somnolence 15 8 Headache 14 13 Infection 13 8 Dizziness 9 4 Pain 7 6 Pharyngitis 6 4 Depression 4 2 Nervousness 4 2 Rhinitis 4 3 Anorexia 3 2 Ataxia 3 1 Vertigo 3 1 Amnesia 2 1 Anxiety 2 1 Cough Increased 2 1 Diplopia 2 1 Emotional Lability 2 0 Hostility 2 1 Paresthesia 2 1 Sinusitis 2 1 *Adverse reactions occurred in at least 1% of levetiracetam-treated patients and occurred more frequently than placebo-treated patients In controlled adult clinical studies using levetiracetam tablets, 15% of patients receiving levetiracetam and 12% receiving placebo either discontinued or had a dose reduction as a result of an adverse reaction.
Table 3 lists the most common (greater than 1%) adverse reactions that resulted in discontinuation or dose reduction and that occurred more frequently in levetiracetam-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. Table 3: Adverse Reactions that Resulted in Discontinuation or Dose Reduction in Placebo-Controlled Studies in Adults Experiencing Partial-Onset Seizures Adverse Reaction Levetiracetam (N=769) % Placebo (N=439) % Somnolence 4 2 Dizziness 1 0 Myoclonic Seizu…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
Drug Interactions In vitro data on metabolic interactions indicate that levetiracetam is unlikely to produce, or be subject to, pharmacokinetic interactions. Levetiracetam and its major metabolite, at concentrations well above C max levels achieved within the therapeutic dose range, are neither inhibitors of nor high affinity substrates for human liver cytochrome P450 isoforms, epoxide hydrolase or UDP-glucuronidation enzymes. In addition, levetiracetam does not affect the in vitro glucuronidation of valproic acid.
Potential pharmacokinetic interactions of or with levetiracetam were assessed in clinical pharmacokinetic studies (phenytoin, valproate, warfarin, digoxin, oral contraceptive, probenecid) and through pharmacokinetic screening in the placebo-controlled clinical studies in epilepsy patients. Phenytoin Levetiracetam (3,000 mg daily) had no effect on the pharmacokinetic disposition of phenytoin in patients with refractory epilepsy. Pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam were also not affected by phenytoin.
Valproate Levetiracetam (1,500 mg twice daily) did not alter the pharmacokinetics of valproate in healthy volunteers. Valproate 500 mg twice daily did not modify the rate or extent of levetiracetam absorption or its plasma clearance or urinary excretion. There also was no effect on exposure to and the excretion of the primary metabolite, ucb L057.
Other Antiepileptic Drugs Potential drug interactions between levetiracetam and other AEDs (carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone and valproate) were also assessed by evaluating the serum concentrations of levetiracetam and these AEDs during placebo-controlled clinical studies. These data indicate that levetiracetam does not influence the plasma concentration of other AEDs and that these AEDs do not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam. Oral Contraceptives Levetiracetam (500 mg twice daily) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of an oral contraceptive containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, or of the luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, indicating that impairment of contraceptive efficacy is unlikely.
Coadministration of this oral contraceptive did not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam. Digoxin Levetiracetam (1,000 mg twice daily) did not influence the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (ECG) of digoxin given as a 0.25 mg dose every day. Coadministration of digoxin did not influence the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam.
Warfarin Levetiracetam (1,000 mg twice daily) did not influence the pharmacokinetics of R and S warfarin. Prothrombin time was not affected by levetiracetam. Coadministration of warfarin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam.
Probenecid Probenecid, a renal tubular secretion blocking agent, administered at a dose of 500 mg four times a day, did not change the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam 1,000 mg twice daily. C ss max of the metabolite, ucb L057, was approximately doubled in the presence of probenecid while the fraction of drug excreted unchanged in the urine remained the same. Renal clearance of ucb L057 in the presence of probenecid decreased 60%, probably related to competitive inhibition of tubular secretion of ucb L057.
The effect of levetiracetam on probenecid was not studied.
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Plasma levels of levetiracetam may be decreased; monitor closely during pregnancy. Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm. ( 5.9 , 8.1 )
8.1Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including levetiracetam, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking levetiracetam injection during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) pregnancy registry by calling 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/ . Risk Summary Prolonged experience with levetiracetam in pregnant women has not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage, based on published literature, which includes data from pregnancy registries and reflects experience over two decades [see Human Data] .
In animal studies, levetiracetam produced developmental toxicity (increased embryofetal and offspring mortality, increased incidences of fetal structural abnormalities, decreased embryofetal and offspring growth, neurobehavioral alterations in offspring) at doses similar to human therapeutic doses [see Animal Data]. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Clinical Considerations Levetiracetam blood levels may decrease during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]. Physiological changes during pregnancy may affect levetiracetam concentration. Decrease in levetiracetam plasma concentrations has been observed during pregnancy.
This decrease is more pronounced during the third trimester. Dose adjustments may be necessary to maintain clinical response. Data Human Data While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, data from the published literature and pregnancy registries have not established an association with levetiracetam use during pregnancy and major birth defects or miscarriage.
Animal Data When levetiracetam (0, 400, 1,200, or 3,600 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, reduced fetal weights and increased incidence of fetal skeletal variations were observed at the highest dose tested. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rats (1,200 mg/kg/day) is approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 3,000 mg on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis.
Oral administration of levetiracetam (0, 200, 600, or 1,800 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in increased embryofetal mortality and incidence of fetal skeletal variations at the mid and high dose and decreased fetal weights and increased incidence of fetal malformations at the high dose, which was associated with maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rabbits (200 mg/kg/day) is approximately equivalent to the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
Oral administration of levetiracetam (0, 70, 350, or 1,800 mg/kg/day) to female rats throughout pregnancy and lactation led to an increased incidence of fetal skeletal variations, reduced fetal body weight, and decreased growth in offspring at the mid and high doses and increased pup mortality and neurobehavioral alterations in offspring at the highest dose tested. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats (70 mg/kg/day) is less than the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
Oral administration of levetiracetam to rats during the latter part of gestation and throughout lactation produced no adverse developmental or maternal effects at doses of up to 1,800 mg/kg/day (6 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis).…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), including levetiracetam, during pregnancy. Encourage women who are taking levetiracetam injection during pregnancy to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) pregnancy registry by calling 1-888-233-2334 or visiting http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/ . Risk Summary Prolonged experience with levetiracetam in pregnant women has not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage, based on published literature, which includes data from pregnancy registries and reflects experience over two decades [see Human Data] .
In animal studies, levetiracetam produced developmental toxicity (increased embryofetal and offspring mortality, increased incidences of fetal structural abnormalities, decreased embryofetal and offspring growth, neurobehavioral alterations in offspring) at doses similar to human therapeutic doses [see Animal Data]. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
Clinical Considerations Levetiracetam blood levels may decrease during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ]. Physiological changes during pregnancy may affect levetiracetam concentration. Decrease in levetiracetam plasma concentrations has been observed during pregnancy.
This decrease is more pronounced during the third trimester. Dose adjustments may be necessary to maintain clinical response. Data Human Data While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, data from the published literature and pregnancy registries have not established an association with levetiracetam use during pregnancy and major birth defects or miscarriage.
Animal Data When levetiracetam (0, 400, 1,200, or 3,600 mg/kg/day) was administered orally to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis, reduced fetal weights and increased incidence of fetal skeletal variations were observed at the highest dose tested. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rats (1,200 mg/kg/day) is approximately 4 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 3,000 mg on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis.
Oral administration of levetiracetam (0, 200, 600, or 1,800 mg/kg/day) to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis resulted in increased embryofetal mortality and incidence of fetal skeletal variations at the mid and high dose and decreased fetal weights and increased incidence of fetal malformations at the high dose, which was associated with maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for adverse effects on embryofetal development in rabbits (200 mg/kg/day) is approximately equivalent to the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
Oral administration of levetiracetam (0, 70, 350, or 1,800 mg/kg/day) to female rats throughout pregnancy and lactation led to an increased incidence of fetal skeletal variations, reduced fetal body weight, and decreased growth in offspring at the mid and high doses and increased pup mortality and neurobehavioral alterations in offspring at the highest dose tested. There was no evidence of maternal toxicity. The no-effect dose for adverse effects on pre- and postnatal development in rats (70 mg/kg/day) is less than the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis.
Oral administration of levetiracetam to rats during the latter part of gestation and throughout lactation produced no adverse developmental or maternal effects at doses of up to 1,800 mg/kg/day (6 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis).
Pregnancy Levetiracetam levels may decrease during pregnancy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) and Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ].
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of levetiracetam injection in patients below the age of 16 years have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use There were 347 subjects in clinical studies of levetiracetam that were 65 years old and over. No overall differences in safety were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. There were insufficient numbers of elderly subjects in controlled trials of epilepsy to adequately assess the effectiveness of levetiracetam in these patients.
Levetiracetam is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE
10.1Signs, Symptoms and Laboratory Findings of Acute Overdosage in Humans The highest known dose of oral levetiracetam received in the clinical development program was 6,000 mg/day. Other than drowsiness, there were no adverse reactions in the few known cases of overdose in clinical trials. Cases of somnolence, agitation, aggression, depressed level of consciousness, respiratory depression and coma were observed with levetiracetam overdoses in postmarketing use.
10.2Management of Overdose There is no specific antidote for overdose with levetiracetam. If indicated, elimination of unabsorbed drug should be attempted by emesis or gastric lavage; usual precautions should be observed to maintain airway. General supportive care of the patient is indicated including monitoring of vital signs and observation of the patient’s clinical status.
A Certified Poison Control Center should be contacted for up to date information on the management of overdose with levetiracetam.
10.3Hemodialysis Standard hemodialysis procedures result in significant clearance of levetiracetam (approximately 50% in 4 hours) and should be considered in cases of overdose. Although hemodialysis has not been performed in the few known cases of overdose, it may be indicated by the patient's clinical state or in patients with significant renal impairment.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action The precise mechanism(s) by which levetiracetam exerts its antiepileptic effect is unknown. A saturable and stereoselective neuronal binding site in rat brain tissue has been described for levetiracetam. Experimental data indicate that this binding site is the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, thought to be involved in the regulation of vesicle exocytosis.
Although the molecular significance of levetiracetam binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A is not understood, levetiracetam and related analogs showed a rank order of affinity for SV2A which correlated with the potency of their antiseizure activity in audiogenic seizure-prone mice. These findings suggest that the interaction of levetiracetam with the SV2A protein may contribute to the antiepileptic mechanism of action of the drug.
12.2Pharmacodynamics Effects on QTc Interval The effect of levetiracetam on QTc prolongation was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, positive-controlled (moxifloxacin 400 mg) and placebo-controlled crossover study of levetiracetam (1,000 mg or 5,000 mg) in 52 healthy subjects. The upper bound of the 90% confidence interval for the largest placebo-adjusted, baseline-corrected QTc was below 10 milliseconds. Therefore, there was no evidence of significant QTc prolongation in this study.
12.3Pharmacokinetics Equivalent doses of intravenous (IV) levetiracetam and oral levetiracetam result in equivalent C max , C min , and total systemic exposure to levetiracetam when the IV levetiracetam is administered as a 15 minute infusion. Overview Levetiracetam is rapidly and almost completely absorbed after oral administration. Levetiracetam injection and tablets are bioequivalent.
The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam are linear and time-invariant, with low intra- and inter-subject variability. Levetiracetam is not significantly protein-bound (less than 10% bound) and its volume of distribution is close to the volume of intracellular and extracellular water. Sixty-six percent (66%) of the dose is renally excreted unchanged.
The major metabolic pathway of levetiracetam (24% of dose) is an enzymatic hydrolysis of the acetamide group. It is not liver cytochrome P450 dependent. The metabolites have no known pharmacological activity and are renally excreted.
Plasma half-life of levetiracetam across studies is approximately 6 to 8 hours. It is increased in the elderly (primarily due to impaired renal clearance) and in subjects with renal impairment. Distribution The equivalence of levetiracetam injection and the oral formulation was demonstrated in a bioavailability study of 17 healthy volunteers.
In this study, levetiracetam 1,500 mg was diluted in 100 mL 0.9% sterile saline solution and was infused over 15 minutes. The selected infusion rate provided plasma concentrations of levetiracetam at the end of the infusion period similar to those achieved at T max after an equivalent oral dose. It is demonstrated that levetiracetam 1,500 mg intravenous infusion is equivalent to levetiracetam 3 x 500 mg oral tablets.
The time independent pharmacokinetic profile of levetiracetam was demonstrated following 1,500 mg intravenous infusion for 4 days with BID dosing. The AUC (0-12) at steady-state was equivalent to AUC inf following an equivalent single dose. Levetiracetam and its major metabolite are less than 10% bound to plasma proteins; clinically significant interactions with other drugs through competition for protein binding sites are therefore unlikely.
Metabolism Levetiracetam is not extensively metabolized in humans. The major metabolic pathway is the enzymatic hydrolysis of the acetamide group, which produces the carboxylic acid metabolite, ucb L057 (24% of dose) and is not dependent on any liver cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. The major metabolite is inactive in animal seizure models.
Two minor metabolites were identified as the product of hydroxylation of the 2-oxo-pyrrolidine ring (2% of dose) and opening of the 2-…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action The precise mechanism(s) by which levetiracetam exerts its antiepileptic effect is unknown. A saturable and stereoselective neuronal binding site in rat brain tissue has been described for levetiracetam. Experimental data indicate that this binding site is the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, thought to be involved in the regulation of vesicle exocytosis.
Although the molecular significance of levetiracetam binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A is not understood, levetiracetam and related analogs showed a rank order of affinity for SV2A which correlated with the potency of their antiseizure activity in audiogenic seizure-prone mice. These findings suggest that the interaction of levetiracetam with the SV2A protein may contribute to the antiepileptic mechanism of action of the drug.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING
16.1How Supplied Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is a clear, colorless, sterile solution that is available in a single-dose dual port 100 mL fill PAB ® Container packaged 24 per case. The container closure is not made with natural rubber latex, PVC or DEHP. It is available in the following presentations: Strength/Fill Volume REF Package NDC 500 mg/100 mL (5 mg/mL) DL5009 1 single-dose container 0264-5009-90 1,000 mg/100 mL (10 mg/mL) DL1009 1 single-dose container 0264-1009-90 1,500 mg/100 mL (15 mg/mL) DL1509 1 single-dose container 0264-1509-90
16.2Storage Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is an antiepileptic drug available as a clear, colorless, sterile solution for intravenous administration. The chemical name of levetiracetam, a single enantiomer, is (-)-(S)-α-ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidine acetamide, its molecular formula is C 8 H 14 N 2 O 2 and its molecular weight is 170.21. Levetiracetam is chemically unrelated to existing antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).
It has the following structural formula: Levetiracetam is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a faint odor and a bitter taste. It is very soluble in water (104.0 g/100 mL). It is freely soluble in chloroform (65.3 g/100 mL) and in methanol (53.6 g/100 mL), soluble in ethanol (16.5 g/100 mL), sparingly soluble in acetonitrile (5.7 g/100 mL) and practically insoluble in n-hexane.
(Solubility limits are expressed as g/100 mL solvent.) Levetiracetam in Sodium Chloride Injection is a clear, colorless, sterile solution that is available in a single-dose dual port container. This container closure is not made with natural rubber latex, PVC or DEHP. 500 mg/100 mL: One 100 mL fill container contains 500 mg of levetiracetam (5 mg/mL), water for injection, 820 mg sodium chloride, 5.5 mg of glacial acetic acid and buffered at approximately pH 5.5 with glacial acetic acid and 164 mg sodium acetate trihydrate.
1,000 mg /100 mL : One 100 mL fill container contains 1,000 mg of levetiracetam (10 mg/mL), water for injection, 750 mg sodium chloride, 6.5 mg of glacial acetic acid and buffered at approximately pH 5.5 with glacial acetic acid and 164 mg sodium acetate trihydrate. 1,500 mg /100 mL : One 100 mL fill container contains 1,500 mg of levetiracetam (15 mg/mL), water for injection, 540 mg sodium chloride, 7.5 mg of glacial acetic acid and buffered at approximately pH 5.5 with glacial acetic acid and 164 mg sodium acetate trihydrate.
The plastic container is a copolymer of ethylene and propylene formulated and developed for parenteral drugs. The copolymer contains no plasticizers. The safety of the plastic container has been confirmed by biological evaluation procedures.
The material passes Class Vl testing as specified in the U.S. Pharmacopeia for Biological Tests — Plastic Containers. The container/solution unit is a closed system and is not dependent upon entry of external air during administration.
The container has two ports, one is for the intravenous administration set and the other is a medication addition. Each is covered by a tamperproof barrier. Refer to the DIRECTIONS FOR USE of the container to properly identify the ports.
No vapor barrier is necessary. Structural Formula
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Psychiatric Reactions and Changes in Behavior Advise patients and their caregivers that levetiracetam may cause changes in behavior (e.g., aggression, agitation, anger, anxiety, apathy, depression, hostility, and irritability) and psychotic symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. Effects on Driving or Operating Machinery Inform patients that levetiracetam may cause dizziness and somnolence. Inform patients not to drive or operate machinery until they have gained sufficient experience on levetiracetam to gauge whether it adversely affects their ability to drive or operate machinery [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
Anaphylaxis and Angioedema Advise patients to discontinue levetiracetam and seek medical care if they develop signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ]. Dermatological Adverse Reactions Advise patients that serious dermatological adverse reactions have occurred in patients treated with levetiracetam and instruct them to call their physician immediately if a rash develops [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ]. DRESS/Multiorgan Hypersensitivity Instruct patients and caregivers that a fever or rash associated with signs of other organ system involvement (e.g., lymphadenopathy, hepatic dysfunction) may be drug-related and should be reported to their healthcare provider immediately.
Levetiracetam should be discontinued immediately if a serious hypersensitivity reaction is suspected [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Pregnancy Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during levetiracetam therapy. Encourage patients to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) pregnancy registry if they become pregnant [see Use In Specific Populations (8.1) ].